Latest news with #AIM-120C-8AdvancedMedium-RangeAir-to-AirMissiles
News18
19-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Why US Selling AMRAAM Missiles To Pakistan's Ally Turkey Could Be A Problem For India
Last Updated: India is concerned about the geopolitical implications of the $225 million deal, instead of its financial value or the type of missile being sold to Turkey The United States has approved to supply AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Turkey, which could trigger serious concerns for India. The $225 million deal marks an attempt by the two NATO allies to reset strained relations and strengthen trade and military cooperation. Meanwhile, India is concerned about the geopolitical implications of the deal, instead of its financial value or the type of missile being sold to Turkey. What Is The AMRAAN Missile Deal? Ankara has asked the US for 53 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM, six AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, and related support for $225 million, as per The Defence Post. In addition, it ordered 60 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II All Up Round missiles and 11 AIM-9X Block II Tactical guidance units for a total cost of $79.1 million. Turkey, having the second-largest armed forces within the alliance after the US, operates a fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft that can launch AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and AIM-9X Sidewinders. advetisement The AIM-120C-8 is fitted with a blast fragmentation warhead and is designed to hit targets beyond visual range, while the AIM-9X is used for engaging short-range threats, reinforcing the country's air defence. RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, is the principal contractor. There are no additional US personnel deployments linked to the sale. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated: 'This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a Nato ally that continues to be a force for political and economic stability in Europe." The agency added, 'This proposed sale will provide Turkiye with a critical air defence capability to assist in defending its homeland and US personnel stationed there. Turkiye will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces." Why Ankara's Air Defence Upgrade Is A Concern The development comes at a time when Turkey is actively upgrading its air defence posture. The missiles, known for their extended range and precision, will enhance Ankara's ability to secure its airspace and defend US personnel stationed on its soil. In fact, this sale complements earlier acquisitions. Notably, Turkey had bought the Russian-made S-400 missile system in 2019, a move angered the US and led to sanctions under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). That decision also resulted in Turkey's expulsion from the US-led F-35 fighter jet programme. AMRAAM manufacturer Raytheon has described it as the 'world's most sophisticated, combat-proven air dominance weapon." It has been tested in over 4,900 live-fire scenarios and has accounted for more than 13 air-to-air combat victories. The missile has been integrated into multiple fighter aircraft platforms including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22 Raptor, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado, Harrier and all variants of the F-35. Why Is India Concerned? In February 2019, during aerial combat that followed the Balakot air strikes, Pakistani F-16 fighters reportedly fired AMRAAM missiles at Indian aircraft over Jammu and Kashmir. Advertisement The skirmish took place after the Indian Air Force aircraft targeted terrorist camps in Balakot, Pakistan, in response to the Pulwama attack. According to senior Indian government sources, India furnished evidence to the United States showing that AMRAAMs were used by Pakistani jets in this encounter. 'The US decision has alarmed the Modi government as India in 2019 gave proof to the Americans about the use of F16 fighters and AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missiles by Pakistan during its unsuccessful aerial raid targeting Indian military installations," sources told The Economic Times. Thaw In US-Turkey Relations? advetisement Despite differences over Syria and Russia, military cooperation between the US and Turkey has continued. For decades, Turkey has relied heavily on US defence exports. It has acquired a large fleet of F-16 fighter jets, along with older F-4 Phantoms and American helicopters like the Black Hawk and Chinook. On land and sea, Turkish forces also use US-origin equipment, including M60 Patton tanks, M113 armoured vehicles, and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. In the air, American missiles such as Sidewinder and Maverick support Turkish combat operations. The US has also supplied Turkey with C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and KC-135 refuelling tankers. While Ankara has made strides in drone development, it earlier depended on US-made surveillance UAVs. top videos View All Not just defence, Turkey is considering increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is negotiating with Boeing for aircraft purchases. These moves are part of a larger realignment that may further bind Ankara and Washington. But despite all these developments, Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has criticised the US over its support for Kurdish forces in Syria and over its stance on the Palestinian issue. Nonetheless, the sale suggests that both countries are willing to isolate defence cooperation from political differences. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : News18 Explains President Recep Tayyip Erdogan US-Turkey relations Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 19, 2025, 08:25 IST News explainers Why US Selling AMRAAM Missiles To Pakistan's Ally Turkey Could Be A Problem For India
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US warms to Turkey: Military deal triggers silent ripples in South Asia
Donald Trump's second term is reshaping global equations. He has not only reignited trade wars and cut foreign aid, but also made sharp diplomatic shifts, including backing Gaza aid, warming to Russia, and resuming military trade with Turkey , among others. The US government approved a potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles ( AMRAAM s) to Turkey last week, including 53 missiles and six guidance systems, along with spares, containers, software, and technical support. The AMRAAM system is known for its range, accuracy, and ability to engage multiple targets. The US defence security cooperation agency (DSCA) said the sale supports US foreign policy and strengthens Nato by improving Turkey's ability to defend itself and US forces stationed there. The announcement comes as Turkey supported Pakistan against India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan. After meeting Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Turkey PM Erdogan called for "international engagement" on Kashmir and a 'human rights-based resolution.' This was followed by backlash from Indian merchants, businesses, and consumers who called for severing relations with Turkey. Turkey's continued support for Pakistan in multilateral forums has strained the relations between Turkey and India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 선납금이나 위약금없이 전차종 24~60개월간 필요한만큼 타시고, 계약종료 후 반납/인수하세요! 신차장기렌트성지 더 알아보기 Undo Supplying Turkey with sophisticated US weaponry could potentially embolden Ankara's military posture, indirectly affecting India's security environment, given Turkey's close ties with Pakistan and involvement in regional conflicts. Turkey's purchase of US missiles is also important, especially considering the past friction between the two allies. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system, which led to US sanctions and Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme. Relations have been uneasy since, with Turkey continuing to press for its re-entry into the programme. Despite political disagreements, especially over Syria and US support for Kurdish forces, Turkey remains heavily reliant on US defence technology. Its military uses American fighter jets, tanks, helicopters, and naval equipment. The AMRAAM sale is a continuation of this dependency.
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Business Standard
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Turkiye to buy Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles from US for $225M
This purchase from the US is expected to further boost the air defence system of Turkiye, which is already investing heavily to make its military stronger In addition to air force assets, Turkiye's naval and land forces also rely significantly on US-origin equipment. New Delhi In a major weapons purchase deal, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved the possible sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles to the Republic of Turkiye at an estimated cost of $225 million. This includes not just the missiles but also a support package covering logistics and program assistance, according to an official statement by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday. The agency said it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 14. The development came after NATO ally Turkiye requested to buy 53 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and six AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections. 'This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the US by improving the security of a NATO ally that continues to be a force for political and economic stability in Europe,' said the DSCA statement. The DSCA further detailed that these items will also be included in weapons sale deal: AMRAAM containers and support equipment; Common Munitions Built-in-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); spare parts, consumables and accessories, repair and return support; weapons system support and software; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and programme support. How will this strengthen Turkiye's air defense capabilities? This purchase is expected to strengthen Turkiye's air defense, which has been a key area of investment in its military modernisation efforts. Like India, Turkiye also bought an S-400 air defence system from Russia in 2019, for which the US was not happy at that time. The S-400 is considered one of the most sophisticated air defence systems in today's time. 'This proposed sale will provide Turkiye with a critical air defense capability to assist in defending its homeland and US personnel stationed there. Turkiye will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,' the DSCA mentioned. It emphasised that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. What does the US-Turkiye arms trade history look like? Historically, Turkiye and the US have criticised each other on various issues from time to time. More importantly, regarding the issue of an independent Palestinian state, Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has openly blamed the US on several occasions for supporting Israel, which is further deepening the ongoing crisis. Interestingly, this has not affected US-Turkiye relations, and Turkiye continues to purchase weapons from the US. Turkiye has bought many weapons and military systems from the US over the years as part of their NATO partnership. These include a large number of F-16 fighter jets, which form the backbone of the Turkish Air Force. Turkiye also used older US planes like the F-4 Phantom and helicopters such as the Black Hawk and Chinook. They were once part of the F-35 stealth jet program, but the US removed Turkiye from the project in 2019 after it bought a Russian air defense system S-400. What other US military systems has Turkiye acquired? In addition to air force assets, Turkiye's naval and land forces also rely significantly on US-origin equipment: Navy: Ships like the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates Army: Tanks such as the M60 Patton, armored vehicles like the M113, and artillery systems Missiles: Beyond AMRAAM, also Sidewinder and Maverick for jets and helicopters Moreover, the US has contributed to Turkiye's defense posture through military aid, training, and tech-sharing, with transport planes like the C-130 Hercules and KC-135 tankers for refuelling. While Turkiye now builds many of its own drones, it earlier worked with the US on surveillance UAVs. Relations between the two countries have seen ups and downs, especially after 2019, but defense ties still continue through sales, upgrades, and shared NATO operations.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US State Dept authorises foreign military sales case for Turkiye to buy Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles
The US State Department has authorised a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case for Turkiye to purchase AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of USD 22 million. In a statement, the US State Department said, "The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Turkiye of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of USD 225 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today." According to the statement, the Turkish government had requested to purchase 53 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); and six AIM- 120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo The following non-MDE items will be included: AMRAAM containers and support equipment; Common Munitions Built-in-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); spare parts, consumables and accessories, repair and return support; weapons system support and software; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. According to the statement, the estimated total cost is USD 225 million. In a statement, the US State Department said, "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that continues to be a force for political and economic stability in Europe." Live Events "This proposed sale will provide Turkiye with a critical air defence capability to assist in defending its homeland and US personnel stationed there. Turkiye will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," it added. According to the statement, the principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. At this time, the US government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. In a statement, the US State Department said, "Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to Turkiye. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale."
